Stranger Position Ppaer.edited.edited

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Nairobi Institute of Technology - Westlands *

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DEVELOPMEN

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Psychology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Stranger Position Paper Students Name: Institutional Affiliation: Course: Instructors Name: Assignment Due Date:

2 Introduction Understanding infant attachment is crucial for comprehending children's early emotional and social development. Attachment in newborns is the strong feeling of love and trust that grows between a baby and their primary caregiver. The strength of this connection has long- lasting effects on the child's emotional and social development. Separation and reunification with the mother and interaction with a stranger provide comprehensive data for evaluating the infant's attachment patterns in the Strange Situation video. By examining the video in conjunction with research and theories related to infant attachment, we can identify the attachment classification and sub-classification present. Research and Theories on Infant Attachment Infant attachment is a fundamental aspect of early development that influences a child's socio-emotional well-being. Several theories and research studies have contributed to our understanding of infant attachment patterns. John Bowlby's attachment theory is a well-known example of this theory since it highlights the significance of a secure attachment for normal growth and development (Lecture 1). Bowlby theorized that for a newborn to feel safe and capable, they must develop a strong emotional attachment to their primary caregiver, the mother. Bowlby argues that the quality of a child's early attachment experiences impacts the child's internal working models, affecting the child's future relationships and psychological development (Main, 2021). Secure attachment is considered the ideal attachment style, characterized by a child who seeks proximity to the caregiver when feeling threatened or distressed, uses the caregiver as a secure base for exploration, and displays a positive response to reunion after separation.

3 Another significant figure in the field of attachment research is Mary Ainsworth. Building upon Bowlby's work, Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation procedure, a laboratory-based assessment of infant attachment. The process entails seeing how the kid reacts while separated from their caregiver and then reuniting with them while also in the company of an unfamiliar adult (Lecture 1). Ainsworth determined three primary attachment styles based on her observations in The Strange Situation: insecure-avoidant attachment, secure attachment, and insecure-resistant/ambivalent attachment (Bergen, 2022). These attachment types reflect newborns' many behavioral patterns in response to the caregiver's availability and responsiveness. Secure attachment is characterized by infants who use their caregiver as a secure base for exploration, seek comfort and support from the caregiver when distressed, and show positive emotions upon reunion. These infants balance investigating their surroundings with seeking comfort from their caregivers. Infants with insecure-avoidant attachment do not desire proximity or express distress when the caregiver leaves, and they may deliberately avoid or dismiss the caregiver upon reunion (Ribera et al., 2023). This attachment style suggests self-soothing and a lack of caregiver needs. Moreover, insecure-resistant/ambivalent attachment is characterized by infants who display high levels of distress upon separation from the caregiver yet show mixed emotions upon reunion. They could try to get close to the caregiver but show resistance or have trouble being calmed. The child's relationship with the caregiver is characterized by uneven caregiving and uncertainty. Later research expanded on Ainsworth's attachment styles, including the addition of the disorganized attachment style. This style is associated with inconsistent and frightened behaviors, such as freezing or contradictory responses, and is often seen in infants who have experienced trauma or extreme stress.

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4 Evidence from the Strange Situation Video: Several observable behaviors in the Strange Situation video provide evidence for understanding the infant's attachment classification. Secure Base and Secure Attachment: Throughout the video, the infant consistently uses the mother as a secure base. The infant feels comfortable exploring the room and engaging with the toys while periodically checking in with the mother. When an infant acts this way, it shows that he or she has formed a stable relationship with the mother and relies on her for emotional and physical well-being. For instance, while playing, the infant occasionally looked back for reassurance and to ensure the mom was close by. This reliance on the mother as a secure base aligns with the characteristics of a secure attachment, as described in lecture 1. Stranger Anxiety and Response: The infant displays clear signs of stranger anxiety when the stranger enters the room and initiates a conversation with the mother. The infant becomes visibly alert, observing the stranger's presence and actions. This behavior indicates a typical developmental response since newborns in the beginning phases of attachment commonly display wariness and caution around new people (Lecture 1). The infant may become increasingly wary of the stranger's presence and exhibit behaviors like freezing or withdrawing. Such actions corroborate the presence of a stable relationship and are compatible with the theory of stranger apprehension. Separation Anxiety and Reunion Behavior:

5 When the mother slowly exits the room, the infant shows signs of distress, such as crying or reaching out to the mother. This behavior is a sign of separation anxiety, which affects many newborns who have formed close bonds with their caretakers (Lecture 1). The infants' outward signs of joy and delight upon their mother's return show how strongly they are dependent on and attached to her. These signs may include crawling, reaching the mother for physical contact, or presenting a bright and engaging facial expression. This positive reunion behavior is characteristic of secure attachment, as the infant seeks comfort and willingly accepts the mother's reassurance. Interaction with the Stranger : Despite the stranger's attempts to engage the infant and establish a bond, the infant remains relatively reserved and does not readily engage or seek comfort from the stranger. This pattern of conduct indicates a restricted propensity to build relationships with strangers and a strong preference for a familiar caregiver (Lecture 2). The infant might, for instance, turn away from the stranger's approach or display signals of hesitation or concern. Due to the infant's preference for the attachment figure and display of selective behavior towards others, this hesitation to interact with the stranger further confirms the existence of a secure attachment. Reunion Behavior with the mother : Upon the mother's return to the room, the infant displays a highly positive response, exhibiting signs of joy, relief, and seeking proximity. The baby may reach for the mother on purpose, showing affection through touch or facial expressions. Ainsworth's definition of secure attachment describes this behavior pattern of seeking comfort and welcoming the presence of the

6 mother. The reunion behavior indicates a strong emotional bond and reinforces that the mother is a secure base for the infant. Conclusion In conclusion, the analysis of the Strange Situation video provides compelling evidence of a secure attachment classification for the infant. Attachment theorists would define the infant's behaviors as secure attachment: clinging to the mother, showing separation anxiety and joyous reunion behavior, and avoiding eye contact with strangers. The film underlines a stable bond's importance to a newborn's psychological and physical development. Understanding the infant's attachment classification affects interventions and support. Recognizing a stable attachment allows caregivers and experts to focus on creating a safe and exciting environment for the child.. Additionally, this analysis highlights the value of the Strange Situation procedure as a tool for assessing and understanding infant attachment patterns.

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7 References Bergen, D. (2022). Developing Attachment: The Theoretical Work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. In Theories of Early Childhood Education (pp. 118-127). Routledge. Lecture 1: Introduction to Social and Emotional Development Attachment Theory. PowerPoint Presentation Lecture 2: Social and Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers. PowerPoint Presentation. Main, M. (2021). Revisiting the founder of attachment theory: memories and informal reflections. Attachment & Human Development, 23(4), 468-480. Ribera, L. B., Longobardi, C., Prino, L. E., & Fabris, M. A. (2023). Secure Attachment to Mother and Children’s Psychological Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Pet Attachment. Anthrozoös, 36(2), 279-293.

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